Image Credits : AP News
An Israeli airstrike on the Mustafa Hafez School in Gaza City has resulted in the deaths of 10 Palestinians. The school, which was providing shelter to hundreds of displaced individuals, became the latest target in Israel’s ongoing military operations in the region.
This development has further complicated the already fraught ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Adding to the uncertainty, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed doubt about the likelihood of reaching a ceasefire agreement.
Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s firm stance on maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a key point of contention in the ceasefire talks. He made it clear that Israel would not withdraw from the area “under any circumstances,” despite facing “enormous” pressure. This insistence on retaining control over the corridor highlights the complexities involved in reaching a comprehensive agreement.
Hamas, meanwhile, has accused the United States of altering the terms of the ceasefire negotiations, claiming that Washington is displaying “blind bias” towards Israel. These accusations come as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken continues his diplomatic efforts in the region, with his latest stop in Egypt. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has expressed grave concerns about the potential for the conflict to expand beyond Gaza, warning that such a scenario would be “difficult to imagine.”
Sisi stressed that the current ceasefire talks must lead to broader international recognition of a Palestinian state and the implementation of a two-state solution. He emphasized that this is the “basic guarantor of stability in the region.” Sisi also called for an end to the ongoing conflict, urging all parties to “resort to wisdom” and prioritize “the language of peace and diplomacy.” He cautioned that the continuation of the war could have unpredictable and far-reaching consequences.
The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of at least 40,173 people in Gaza and left 92,857 wounded, according to the latest reports. On the Israeli side, 1,139 people were killed during Hamas-led attacks on October 7, with over 200 still held captive. The Israeli military recently reported recovering the bodies of six individuals taken captive by Hamas from Khan Younis, adding urgency to the demands of families for a ceasefire agreement.
The conflict has also sparked significant international protests, with thousands taking to the streets of Chicago to condemn the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. The protests coincided with the Democratic National Convention in the city, drawing attention to the growing discontent among U.S. citizens regarding their government’s approach to foreign policy.